Camper - Minimum Viable Product

[Paynewright]

SWMBO and I like fair weather camping and drag the kids along with us. We like being outside, cooking outside, dont mind using on site facilities (washing up etc), sitting under cover in the rain. We dont like sleeping on air mattresses 2” off the ground.

Our van is basically a factory kombi with a third row of seats and rear windows.

So, considering an Ikea folding bed and topper. What else would we need / need to do to make it sleepable in summer? Curtains - can you get magnetic?

Any suggestions for minimalist camper conversion?

Ian

 

[Ann3x]

SWMBO and I like fair weather camping and drag the kids along with us. We like being outside, cooking outside, dont mind using on site facilities (washing up etc), sitting under cover in the rain. We dont like sleeping on air mattresses 2” off the ground.

Our van is basically a factory kombi with a third row of seats and rear windows.

So, considering an Ikea folding bed and topper. What else would we need / need to do to make it sleepable in summer? Curtains - can you get magnetic?

Any suggestions for minimalist camper conversion?

Ian

Can the kids sleep in a tent? If so lots of options for kombi beds.

If not you'll need a poptop probably.

Do you need fridge? Lighting?

 

[Teesix]

Get a roof on there, you won't be disappointed. Apart from the extra bed aspect, you'll be able to stand up and have a little dance if you want to.

 

[Paynewright]

We usually go for electric hook up with the tent and have a halfords powered cool box. Dont want a pop top!

 

[Ann3x]

We usually go for electric hook up with the tent and have a halfords powered cool box. Dont want a pop top!

Then you or the kids are sleeping in the tent!

If you only use ehu you might be able to get away with no leisure electrics. If cool box is OK no fridge needed...

You may or may not need lights? If not bring a couple of torches. If you fit lights either only use on ehu or fit a leisure battery (or you might find your starter flat one day).

Only must have imo is a bed and blinds for the van (assuming you don't want to wake up at 4 in the summer). Rest you can wing or handle via camping kit.

 

[Paynewright]

Looks like its curtains for me then!!

Boom boom.

I can see a time when we’d do a more formal conversion but at the moment need flexibility of both.

Thanks

 

[DXX]

Depending on the size of the kids it would be possible to make a simple board / mattress to go across the cab seats.

 

[Paynewright]

13 & 11 - they’re both among the tallest in their year groups (me being 6’2”)

It would probably end up SWMBO and daughter in the van and son and I in the tent!

 

[Lord Mfwic]

SWMBO and I like fair weather camping and drag the kids along with us. We like being outside, cooking outside, dont mind using on site facilities (washing up etc), sitting under cover in the rain. We dont like sleeping on air mattresses 2” off the ground.

Our van is basically a factory kombi with a third row of seats and rear windows.

So, considering an Ikea folding bed and topper. What else would we need / need to do to make it sleepable in summer? Curtains - can you get magnetic?

Any suggestions for minimalist camper conversion?

Ian

That’s my set up and we camp many times in the summer. We even toured Europe for 2 weeks last year.
Only difference, our kids are grown up now so it’s just the 2 of us.
Magnetic curtains work perfectly and leave no trace of camper when using the van for work..

I do have a leisure battery but use a EHU extension lead when on sites.
Van is currently having a webasto heating being fitted as it can get cold at night and we used to use a Halfords cool box but have a proper mobile fridge now and that is much better.
Takes 10 mins to take out the rear seats and fit the ikea bed and the same to turn it back to the work horse.
Don’t have a pop top as hear too many horror stories of leaks and sweaks.

You don’t need to spend a fortune to turn a Kombi into a perfectly good, usable camper.

 

[Paynewright]

That’s my set up and we camp many times in the summer. We even toured Europe for 2 weeks last year.
Only difference, our kids are grown up now so it’s just the 2 of us.
Magnetic curtains work perfectly and leave no trace of camper when using the van for work..

I do have a leisure battery but use a EHU extension lead when on sites.
Van is currently having a webasto heating being fitted as it can get cold at night and we used to use a Halfords cool box but have a proper mobile fridge now and that is much better.
Takes 10 mins to take out the rear seats and fit the ikea bed and the same to turn it back to the work horse.
Don’t have a pop top as hear too many horror stories of leaks and sweaks.

You don’t need to spend a fortune to turn a Kombi into a perfectly good, usable camper.

Are you going to Caffeine and Machine - would be good to catch up!

 

[True Romance]

One of our reasons for getting the T6 was to have a proper bed! Loved camping and had some great trips but like you sleeping on the floor was becoming unbearable. Sure you can get a rear frame that makes up into a bed using the rear bench seats folded down. Would still only sleep two though. Grow a pair of balls and tell the Mrs it's the kids outside in the tent/awning and you in the van

 

[Lord Mfwic]

Are you going to Caffeine and Machine - would be good to catch up!

Certainly intending to and I’ll have it camper set up.

 

[Paynewright]

Certainly intending to and I’ll have it camper set up.

fab - looking forward to it even more!

 

[Lord Mfwic]

fab - looking forward to it even more!

Just booked my parking.